Lack of Internet Access in Kerala’s Tribal Colonies

  • August 22, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Lack of Internet Access in Kerala’s Tribal Colonies

Subject :Schemes

Context:

  • Kerala declared the right to the Internet as a basic right.
  • However, 189 Adivasi ooru (tribal colonies) across 12 districts lack access to Internet and mobile connection.
  • Over 5,000 tribal students in these colonies are affected.

The initiative by Scheduled Tribes Development Department:

  • The department seeks permission from the Forest department to set up towers in tribal colonies within forests.
  • Forest Rights Act provisions are used for tower installation.
  • Tower setup is planned to begin post permission.
  • Expected Outcome and Timeline: The goal is to address the digital divide in tribal colonies by December.
  • Use of Community Study Rooms:
    • The government provides community study rooms in various locations.
    • These facilities offer Internet access.
    • However, students from disconnected tribal colonies rarely use these facilities.

Kerala High Court’s stance on Internet access (Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala, 2019):

  • Internet access is part of the fundamental right to education.
  • Also protected under the right to privacy (Article 21 of the Constitution).

KFON: Kerala’s Scheme for Universal Internet Connectivity

  • Kerala Vision Broadband, an initiative of cable TV operators, provides internet service in many districts.
  • Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON) infrastructure benefits private service providers through its cable network.

Internet Speed and Mobile Connectivity:

  • KFON promises speeds from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
  • KFON’s connection to mobile towers accelerates the 4G and 5G transition.

Stakeholders and Implementation:

  • Rs 1,611-crore project by Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Kerala State IIT Infrastructure Limited.
  • Started in 2019, to be functional by 2021.
  • Implementation led by a consortium including Central PSU Bharat Electronics Limited.
  • BEL manages optical fiber networks, network locations, and government institution connectivity.
  • Project funded by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

Services Provided by KFON:

  • Aims to create a non-discriminatory core network infrastructure.
  • Connects government offices, offers leased lines, fiber to the home, wifi hotspots, colocation services, IPTV, OTT, and cloud hosting.

Holds Infrastructure Provider and Internet Service Provider licenses.

Lack of Internet Access in Kerala's Tribal Colonies Schemes